Sweet Potato Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s a classic recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, making it perfect for holidays or family gatherings. This casserole offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, impressive enough to be a centerpiece on your dining table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so even novice cooks can create this delicious dish with confidence.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups (960 g) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk or whole milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (55 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup (115 g) chopped pecans

Directions

1. Begin by cooking the sweet potatoes until tender. You can bake them whole at 400°F (200°C) for about 45–60 minutes.
2. Once they are cooked, scoop out the flesh and mash until you have 4 cups (960 g). Place the mashed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the bowl. Mash or mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. When the mixture is warm (not hot), whisk in the beaten eggs until everything is well combined.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. In another bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the chopped pecans.
7. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
8. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until it is set and golden.
9. After baking, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole can be served warm as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can also serve it as a sweet treat, topped with marshmallows or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How to Store Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

To store leftover casserole, let it cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap the casserole tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container, and it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• For easy peeling and mashing, you can peel the sweet potatoes before cooking them.
• Ensure that all ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Customize the topping by adding mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Variations

You can add different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a twist, mix in some chopped apples or cranberries to the sweet potato mixture. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well and measure out 4 cups for the recipe.

2. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole should be set and golden brown on top. You can insert a knife into the center to check; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

3. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

A beloved dish that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk or whole milk
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Ensure eggs are at room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, baking them whole at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes.
2. Scoop out the flesh and mash until you have 4 cups (960 g).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until smooth.
4. Once the mixture is warm, whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Topping Preparation

1. In another bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans and sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Baking

1. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until set and golden.
2. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats, or topped with marshmallows or ice cream for dessert. For easy peeling, consider peeling the sweet potatoes before cooking. You can also assemble the casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

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